Inside the  former French Concession of Shanghai, China is the beautiful Fu Xing Park. It was laid out by the French in 1909 and at one time was the largest park in Shanghai. There is a beautiful rose garden.                    Throughout the park, there are people talking and playing games. Down another path,… Read More Another Walk in the Park

The French Concession was an area of Shanghai set aside in 1849 for a French settlement.   It remained under French control until 1943. This weekend we explored a very small part of the neighborhood. Bicycles and mopeds are popular forms of transportation here.  In an effort to cut the pollution, the mopeds are all electric… Read More Oui, Oui…The Former French Concession

I am really glad that our new apartment is within walking distance of work.  Here is a look at my morning commute. We have this great little enclosed porch for shoes and coats.  Then it is down the lift or stairs and out through the lobby.                   The complex is HUGE but very quiet and… Read More The Morning Commute

When you go to Kuala Lumpur (and of course you will go, because it is fantastic), don’t miss the KL Birdpark.   It is the worlds largest free-flight aviary that spreads over 21 acres (20.9 to be exact).       Most of the birds here are free range, with the exceptions of the predators… Read More A Little Birdie Told Me

One of the highlights of our trip to Lombok, was a hike through the forest, in search of waterfalls. We ventured to the north side of Lomboc to the foothills of Mt. Rinjani. Our goal: Sendang Gile and Tiu Keleg, two beautiful waterfalls, back in a forest canyon.  As we started out, the view was… Read More Falling

It may not be the easiest place to get to, but the Aston on Gili T was a great place to spend 3 of our days during our Lombok trip, in March. And the pool bar wasn’t bad either. Gili T is one of three small islands located between Bali and Lombok.  There are no… Read More Gili Trawganan or Cars, Boats and Horsecarts

West Nusa Tenggara- Lombok and Gili Trawangan March 2017 Lombok is one of the islands, of Indonesia, situated between Bali (to the west) and Sumbawa (to the east). It is about  43 miles across and covers around 1,743 square miles. And it is fantastic! Just off the coast are the Gili Islands, a great low-key… Read More Lombok Love

Lombok, Indonesia March 2017 On one of our day trips on Lombok, our driver stopped along the road to let us see the monkeys. Bath time. Monkey wants a cracker. Monkeys love chips.  Several of these guys were searching for chips in discarded bags.

Mataram, Lombok Built in 1744, by King A. A. Made Ngurah Karang Asem of Bali.

Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu festival that is part of the New Year celebration. It is an Indonesian holiday, that is primarily celebrated in Bali and Lombok.  Nyepi is a day of silence, meditation, self-reflection, and fasting.  People are not permitted to work, use electricity and fire, or travel. Pura Batu Bolong Temple Devotees leaving… Read More Nyepi 2017